in search for perfect fleece

My favourite at the moment is Rab Polartec Powerstretch hoodie. Perfect for late fall, long sleeves, very comfy on the move due to stretch and appears quite durable fabric.

you like the R1 FLEECE JACKET (which is full zip and has pockets) but no chest zip so you want a different brand that has a chest zip(like the MH jacket) is that what you are saying?

I would think the R1 would be perfect for this. Is it too thin?

My R1 is 1/4 zip with hood. Has chest zip pocket.
It is not full zipper and has no hand pockets.
I use my R1 in winter with my layering system.

so you like the R1 material but the R1 jacket with full zip and hand pockets (like I linked above) won't work for you because it has no chest zip? Sorry I am just trying to understand why the R1 jacket is a no go for you.

They do make a full zip R1 jacket with pockets.

Is that the warmth level you want or do you want something warmer?

I saw the new R1 with full zipper and hand pockets.
I also was considering the R2 version..

So buy the R1 with a full zipper and hand pockets.

To my knowledge it doesn't exist. Powerstretch is too heavy and sucks up too much water. Grid fleece is sub-optimal as a mid layer. The Montane Fury would be perfect if they didn't use an absolutely crap stretch material in the side panels (it holds water like crazy).

Hey David, what is it about grid fleece that you find sub-optimal?

100 weight fleece is warmer for the weight when not worn against the skin, and dries faster, again when not worn against the skin. Against the skin Cap 4 and the various copies are still the best for colder weather.

Cloud Layer Full Zip has chest pocket and two hand pockets. They are $80 but they do go on sale. I think they are pretty good.

i'll admit that i'm not a big fleece wearer to begin with, but i've always had a patagonia windstopper fleece for around town and a polartec power stretch 3/4 zip hoodie is part of my layering system. i purchased a mammut guye jacket at rei as a technical layering piece/last layer and wasn't planning on it replacing my fleece for around town. that plan changed quickly after i wore it a few times. it's extremely comfortable over a wide temperature range(alpha has magical properties) and is so much better looking than a fleece that multiple women have commented on how good it looks (so i'm tempted to buy another one as a backup just because chics dig it). it's not any heavier than a comparable fleece, packs as small, breathes well, dries quickly if it gets wet and has admirable water resistance. It also has all three pockets you are looking for.

happy hunting

Polartec Alpha is good stuff, but to compare to a fleece you need to note what kind of shell material is being used. I have the REI Venturi Hoody which has a more wind-resistant shell, making it a fleece+windshirt. Other Alpha jackets have very air-permeable shells so they're much closer to a fleece in that regard.

So I am thinking scratch the fleece. I have the R1 1/4 zip pullover and I may just try the outdoor research ferrosi jacket (without hood). I think that combo would pair well for layering or not layering and gives me what I'm looking for without redundancy.

Black Diamond and Marmot make full zip Power Dry hoodies. The Marmot Thermo Hoody looks like a good buy to me. No hand pockets, but that is a tough order when considered mid layer.

I have been using a The North Face Hadoken 1/4 Zip for about two years. It's made with Powerdry and works rather well.

I especially like the fit and the durability.

It tips the scales at 250 g (8,81 ounces ;) ) for a size small.

This thread has got me thinking. I'm curious if anyone has experience with the montbell chameece fleeces. They look like very basic, light fleeces. Maybe a good replacement for my cap 4 hoody? The thing I like about my cap 4 is it's so thin and light. I overheat easy and I always like my second layer to be super thin.

I was going to mention the Chameece, but it doesn't have hand pockets… just a small Napoleon chest pocket.

I have one (jacket, no hood) and really like it for shoulder season. Medium weighs 8.3oz on my scale.

Justin- I have a Chameece jacket and vest, they are "normal" 100 wt fleece, no grid

I find the grid (Cap 4) better for cold weather, high output stuff- running, x-country skiing, etc as it moves moisture better- I use it as a base-layer

I find the 100 weight stuff warmer for the same weight, so for less aerobic activities- namely hiking/backpacking, it's what I use as a mid-layer- it layers nicely with a windshirt or hardshell when you need something a little more

Mike

If only it came with a hood. I really don't like messing with a buff and beanie. Ah well, I will give the chameece a try.

So I went with the outdoor research ferrosi hooded jacket. I hope it works out.. I can layer it with my R1 in cold temps or wear it alone on cool mild days.

Ferrosi is a quality soft shell, but my M weighs in at 16 oz so definitely heavier than a fleece, but of course has soft shell properties of wind/water resistance and stretch.

Just recieved the outdoor research ferrosi hooded jacket this morning. My first impression is..YUP..gonna love this jacket. Not a fleece, no..but like was said..I already have/use patagonia R1 fleece. I think this softshell is the piece I was looking for, time will tell.. Thanks..